- Must visit
ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe
Major contemporary art and media museum known for interactive digital art, changing exhibitions, and its influence on media art internationally.
Cheapest price
$67
Average price
$148
Fastest journey
7 h 3 m
Average duration
7 h 16 m
Trains per day
33
Distance
594 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Vienna to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Vienna to Karlsruhe will cost around $148 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $67.
It's difficult to get from Vienna to Karlsruhe without transferring at least once.
RJX 368+
EC 212+
ICE 918+
RE1
IC 407+
ICE 566
IC 848+
EC 212+
ICE 918+
RE1
IC 540+
RJX 260+
ICE 566
IC 407+
ICE 566+
S 7+
REX 1
RJX 262+
ICE 596 · ICE 9572
RJX 62+
ICE 592+
TGV 9570
RJX 262+
ICE 564
RJX 262 · ICE 564
RJX 64 · ICE 560Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Vienna to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $37. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 7h 56m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $37, and a train costs an average of $50.
Distance: 369 miles (594 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$151 Average price | $55 Average price Cheapest | $157 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 26m Average total duration Fastest 7h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 20m Average total duration 9h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Vienna to Karlsruhe:
A bus is $96 (€77) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Vienna to Karlsruhe costing on average $151 (€122).
Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 56m.
Bus takes on average 9h 50m.
Tickets start at around $151 (€122) compared to roughly $157 (€126) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $6 (€5). The journey takes 7h 56m versus 7h 2m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Vienna to Karlsruhe trains for today, Monday, June 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 407+ ICE 566+ S 7+ REX 1 | 4:49 AM Vienna Airport | 9h03 | 1:52 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3 transfers | |
CJX 9 · RJX 368+ EC 212+ RE1 | 4:49 AM Vienna Airport | 8h36 | 1:25 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 848+ EC 212+ RE1+ ICE 918 | 4:57 AM Vienna Hbf | 8h28 | 1:25 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3 transfers | |
CJX 9+ IC 540+ RJX 260+ ICE 566 | 5:19 AM Vienna Airport | 8h33 | 1:52 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RJX 368+ EC 212+ RE1+ ICE 918 | 5:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 7h57 | 1:25 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 407+ ICE 566 | 5:39 AM Vienna Hbf | 8h13 | 1:52 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 540+ RJX 260+ ICE 566 | 5:57 AM Vienna Hbf | 7h55 | 1:52 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJ 754+ RJX 262+ ICE 596 · ICE 9572 | 8:02 AM Vienna Airport | 7h29 | 3:31 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJ 754+ RJX 262+ ICE 564 | On time 8:02 AM Vienna Airport | 7h50 | 3:52 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 262+ ICE 564 | On time 8:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 7h24 | 3:52 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJX 262 · ICE 564 | On time 8:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 7h24 | 3:52 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJX 262+ ICE 596 · ICE 9572 | On time 8:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 7h03 | 3:31 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 546+ ICE 118+ RE1 | 8:34 AM Vienna Airport | 8h51 | 5:25 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 546+ ICE 118+ RE1 | 8:57 AM Vienna Hbf | 8h28 | 5:25 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 562+ ICE 118+ RE1 | 9:02 AM Vienna Airport | 8h23 | 5:25 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 162 · ICE 118 · 19022 | 9:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 7h57 | 5:25 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 162+ ICE 118+ RE1 | 9:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 7h57 | 5:25 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 548+ RJX 60+ ICE 594+ RE1 | 9:34 AM Vienna Airport | 8h18 | 5:52 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 548+ RJX 60+ ICE 594+ RE1 | 9:57 AM Vienna Hbf | 7h55 | 5:52 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1224 · ICE 75 | On time 10:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h13 | 7:26 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJ 820 · RJ 668 · RJ 1298+ ICE 610 | 12:02 AM Vienna Airport | 12h51 | 12:53 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RJ 820+ REX 2+ RJ 1298+ ICE 610 | 12:02 AM Vienna Airport | 12h51 | 12:53 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RJ 820 · RJ 668 · RJ 1298+ ICE 610 | 12:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 12h25 | 12:53 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RJ 820+ REX 2+ RJ 1298+ ICE 610 | 12:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 12h25 | 12:53 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 4 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Vienna to Karlsruhe run on average 17 times per day, taking around 7h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $50 (€40) but you can travel from only $37 (€30) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 369 miles (594 km) distance in 7h 3m.
Distance 369 miles (594 km) |
Average train duration 7h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 (€40) |
Trains per day 17 |
Fastest train 7h 3m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Karlsruhe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Karlsruhe trip today.
Major contemporary art and media museum known for interactive digital art, changing exhibitions, and its influence on media art internationally.
Regional history museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, featuring archaeology, decorative arts, and cultural history collections from Baden and beyond.
Important fine arts museum with works from the Middle Ages to modern periods, especially strong in German, Dutch, and French painting.
Large park stretching behind the palace, ideal for relaxed walks, seasonal photos, and classic views that define Karlsruhe's green character.
Historic main square with the pyramid, town hall, and church frontage, serving as the symbolic and urban center of Karlsruhe.
Hilltop viewpoint above Durlach with broad views over Karlsruhe and the Rhine plain, popular for sunsets, photos, and short scenic outings.
Swabian-style pasta pockets filled with meat, spinach, bread, and herbs, commonly served in broth or pan-fried. A beloved regional classic often found in Baden and Karlsruhe.
Soft egg noodles layered with cheese and topped with fried onions. This hearty southern German dish is popular across Baden-Württemberg and widely eaten in Karlsruhe.
Baden-style pot roast marinated in vinegar, wine, and spices, then braised until tender. It reflects the rich culinary traditions of the Baden region.
Traditional restaurant focused on Baden dishes and wines, appreciated for its classic interior and regional cooking.
Established hilltop restaurant with panoramic views, known for refined regional cuisine and a special-occasion atmosphere above Karlsruhe.
Well-known local brewery restaurant serving house beer and hearty Baden pub dishes in a lively, traditional setting.
Moderate by German standards. Public transport is reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up in cafés and taxis. In restaurants, 5-10% is common for good service; hand the tip directly when paying.
Official public transport app
Karlsruhe Hbf, Karlsruhe -> Marktplatz, Karlsruhe
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Vienna to Karlsruhe by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Karlsruhe, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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